15 Best Oils for Dreadlocks That Moisturize and Support Healthy Growth

Dreadlocks date back centuries and many love them for their meaning and look. Still, not everyone knows how to care for them after choosing the right oil for dreadlocks.

Here are top natural oils you can use to maintain locs. Regular oiling can support growth, feed the scalp, and keep your locs hydrated.

So, let’s start by finding a few of the best hair oils for locs.

Key Takeaways

• Oiling helps seal moisture, reducing dryness, breakage, shedding, and dull appearance.
  

• Healthy scalps underpin strong locs, light oils and essential oils may calm irritation.
  

• Regular scalp oiling nourishes follicles, massage may boost circulation and encourage growth.
  

• Most people do well oiling once or twice weekly, adjusting based on needs.

Why Do You Need to Oil Your Scalp and Dreadlocks?

With locs, oiling your scalp helps you retain moisture, keep the scalp healthy, and encourage growth.

Moisture Retention

Moisturized locs are less prone to dryness, breakage, shedding, and a dull look. The balance between scalp hydration and oiling is key to well-hydrated dreadlocks.

Natural oils such as coconut or almond help seal in needed moisture. They smooth the cuticle along the hair shaft, so water stays in longer. They also tame frizz and add shine to locs.

Scalp Health

Healthy scalps are the base for strong locs. Applying oil feeds the skin, can reduce dandruff and itch, and helps your locs hold moisture.

Natural oils like coconut, olive, or jojoba may boost hydration, control frizz, and lessen dryness-related breakage. Essential oils, for instance tea tree or lavender, can ease irritation tied to buildup. Avoid heavy application, since excess oil can encourage microbes and thin roots.

Hair Growth

Many people with locs care most about steady growth. Regular scalp oiling delivers vitamins and fats that nourish follicles and lengths.

Oils like coconut, olive, argan, Jamaican black castor, and jojoba are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants and have soothing properties that support growth. A gentle oil massage can also increase blood flow, which may further encourage new growth.

How Often Should You Oil Your Locs?

Most people do well oiling one to two times per week.

Your ideal schedule depends on your hair type, how often you wash, and the products you use. For me, lighter blends needed more frequent use in humid weather.

Things that influence how often you oil:

• Hair Type: Texture and thickness affect how much oil you need and how often to apply.

• Wash Frequency: If you wash less often, you may need extra oiling between washes to stay moisturized.

• Products: Different oils and stylers change how long moisture lasts on your scalp and locs.

• Environment: Weather, humidity, and similar factors can change your ideal oiling cadence.

• Scalp Health: Dry, itchy, or flaky scalps may benefit from more frequent oiling.

• Preference: Go with what works for you; finding the right rhythm takes some testing.

Top 15 Oils For Dreadlocks, Dreads & Locs

Pick a reliable oil to keep locs hydrated and flake-free. Here are 15 options worth considering.

1. Batana Oil

Batana oil has a structure that lets it slip into the hair shaft without leaving heavy residue. That makes it well suited to dreadlocks, which need deep conditioning without loosening the set pattern.

It’s rich in vitamins A and E, essential fatty acids, and natural antioxidants. These nutrients can fortify strands, boost scalp circulation, and calm inflammation that might slow healthy locking.

2. Castor Oil For Locs

Castor oil carries ricinoleic acid, which has antifungal and antibacterial activity that helps shield hair and scalp. It also absorbs fast and seals moisture, supporting stronger, longer, thicker locs.

Packed with vitamins B, C, and E plus omega fats, castor suits anyone chasing length and fullness. Use small amounts to avoid lint and debris sticking.

3. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is often used to help growth and reduce shedding. It may increase scalp circulation so follicles stay active and resilient. The bright scent also makes routines feel relaxing. Dilute with a carrier and massage gently.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a staple for loc care. Medium-chain fats reach into the shaft and feed it from within. It’s known to cut protein loss in hair, helping your locs keep strength and structure.

Its antimicrobial nature helps the scalp stay balanced, limiting dandruff and related issues. Daily wear, harsh weather, and pollutants strip natural lipids; coconut oil helps retain the natural oil of hair and scalp. It’s a reliable moisturizer for dreadlocks. I noticed a pea-size amount per section kept buildup away.

5. Jojoba Oil

Golden jojoba helps reduce breakage, adds shine, and may improve scalp blood flow so hair grows longer and sturdier.

Technically a liquid wax, it’s close to human sebum. When used on skin and hair, it can signal that enough oil is present, which may help balance production.

6. Lavender Oil

Beyond its pleasant scent, lavender offers antimicrobial support that helps keep the scalp clean and less prone to infection.

It can soothe the scalp and invite relaxation, so it’s great for a calming care routine. Blend with a carrier and massage through your locs.

7. Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood oil can help balance sebum on both dry and oily scalps. Its antifungal action may reduce dandruff and itch, keeping locs clear and comfortable.

8. Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is dense, and unlike many products, you don’t need to apply it several times a week to keep locs soft.

It shines as a nourishing oil that can support thickness. Loc upkeep takes effort, and this oil is a common go-to for moisturizing locs.

9. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint gives a cool, invigorating feel on contact. It may raise circulation, which can support growth and overall hair health. It can also help curb excess oil, so it suits oily scalps, and it strengthens strands to reduce breakage and shedding.

10. Argan Oil

Argan oil is often called Moroccan oil, argan’s name matters less than its effect on locs. It sinks in quickly and leaves a light finish that smooths and adds shine.

High in fatty acids and vitamin E, it’s a solid moisturizer. Its antioxidant and soothing traits can support scalp repair and calm dryness and itch.

11. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is prized for penetrating strands and delivering deep moisture. You can store it for up to a year and mix it with shampoo, rosewater, or glycerin.

Pressed from the fruit’s pulp, this light oil contains amino acids and vitamins A, B, D, and E. It can nudge growth, strengthen roots, and nourish the scalp.

12. Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a carrier made from the seeds left from winemaking. It can also help vitamins E and C work well on the scalp and preserve them.

With a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats, it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity, including proanthocyanidins, to hydrate, soften, and improve scalp elasticity.

13. Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil supplies vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. Unrefined versions hold more of these nutrients, while refined oils are heated with chemicals.

Thanks to antioxidant and soothing properties, it’s a smart pick for locs. It contains vitamin B-7, or biotin, which helps hair stay strong. On the scalp, its antibacterial action can balance the yeast behind dandruff.

14. Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids that can help repair stressed follicles and support new growth. You can apply it straight to hair.

Unlike some heavier oils, rosehip is less likely to clog and instead feeds strands from root to tip. Some people prefer to warm it first, but always test the temperature before use.

15. Tea Tree Oil

Also called Melaleuca oil, tea tree comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia in Australia. It’s known for antifungal and antibacterial effects and is often used for scalp concerns like dandruff and itch. It can also help clear blocked follicles to support growth.

It’s a strong option for locs because its antimicrobial action helps limit buildup on the scalp and protects the style. Because it’s potent, always dilute before use to lower the risk of irritation.

Level Up Your Loc Routine With Keyoma

The biggest mistake loc-wearers make? Overdoing the oils! It's tempting to drench your locs, but buildup leads to dullness and even scalp issues. The better alternative? Think "less is more."

Start with a light application of Keyoma Batana Oil with Rosemary for Hair, focusing on your scalp. Then, work it down the strands. Observe how your hair responds over a few days. You can always add more, but it's hard to take away excess.